Analysis: Chase Reid to Kraken Could Prove to be Steal of 2026 NHL Draft
The Seattle Kraken selected Chase Reid with the seventh overall pick in the opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft. And it’s not hyperbole: the Michigan native might have been the best defenseman available in the draft as a whole, making his selection one that could prove to be an incredible value for the franchise down the line.
Reid was ranked as the best player in the draft by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and third by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Elite Prospects, Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis, and FloHockey’s Chris Peters. Regardless of overall ranking, he was the top defenseman, according to all those scouts/media outlets. The Kraken, who have never selected a defenseman in the first-round in the franchise’s history, made him the fourth defenseman selected on Friday night.
“Right-handed shot defensemen are in demand in the National Hockey League,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill told reporters after the first-round of the NHL Draft. “But overall, just how he plays. When you watch video of him, Chase always has his head up. He has a nice combination of being able to skate his way out of trouble. He also has his head up nonstop to make a quick outlet play.”
Why did Reid fall? That will be a question that remains unanswered for some time. He made a meteoric rise up the junior ranks the last two seasons. The Michigan State University commit was cut from his 2024-25 team in the USHL. He caught on with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL, the second tier of USA junior hockey. He was later added by the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL and put up a point-per-game season, improving as much as any prospect in the country. Fast forward to his draft year, he tallied 18 goals and 48 points in 45 games.
Kraken Make History, Select Chase Reid With No. 7 Overall Pick in 2026 NHL Draft
It’s been a somewhat challenging past 24 hours for the Seattle Kraken, who reportedly had the framework for a blockbuster sign-and-trade to acquire Dallas Stars star Jason Robertson in place on Thursday, only for the player to decline a reported eight-year, $15 million contract offer to veto the deal.
Fortunately for the Kraken, however, good fortunes appeared to smile on the franchise in Friday night’s opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Benefiting from a bit of good luck for a change, general manager Jason Botterill reeled in one of the best defensemen in a strong draft class by investing the No. 7 overall pick in Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) standout Chase Reid, securing a player who many expected to be gone in the first four or five picks.
The selection of Reid carries significance history-wise for Seattle, marking the first time in six drafts that the organization has selected a defenseman in the first round. And, in time, they will be hoping his arrival coincides with greater success on the ice in the near future.
NHL Mock Draft: Kraken Address Defensive Pipeline, Swing on Upside
The Seattle Kraken enter the 2026 NHL Draft already boasting a top prospect pool in the NHL. The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler rated the pool as seventh in the NHL, propped up by young forwards like Berkley Catton, Jake O’Brien, and Jagger Firkus. Plus, the Kraken already receive key NHL contributions from recent top picks like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright.
But, those contributions haven’t been enough. After all, the Kraken select seventh overall in Friday’s opening round because they won only three of their final 16 games and finished 27th in the NHL. They enter the draft with seven picks, including picks No. 7, 38, 99, and 102.
The Kraken, of course, could use any of their seven picks this draft to trade up-and-down the board as they see fit. Or, they could use the picks to address needs on the current NHL roster. But with four picks in the first four rounds, the Kraken can address a large need at defense and take meaningful swings on high-upside prospects.
Interestingly, the Kraken have never selected a defenseman in the first round of the NHL Draft since their inception in 2021. This year’s class has a consensus of Chase Reid, Carson Carels, Alberts Smits, and Keaton Verhoeff as the top four defenseman, opening the door for at least one of those players to be available when Seattle comes on the clock.
Is this the year the Kraken draft a blue chip defensive prospect in the opening round? Or will they go a different direction?
Bobby McMann Excited to Re-Up With Kraken, Bring ‘Winning Hockey’ Back to Seattle
Checking off one of their biggest boxes as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the Seattle Kraken re-signed winger Bobby McMann to a six-year, $34.5 million contract on Monday as general manager Jason Botterill locked up the trade deadline acquisition for the long haul following a successful second half with the franchise.
Though the Kraken sputtered in the win/loss column after his arrival from Toronto and recorded just two regulation wins after the trade, McMann tallied 10 goals and 14 points in 18 games with the Kraken. It certainly wasn’t his fault that Seattle plummeted from a playoff hopeful to selecting seventh overall in the upcoming draft, and Botterill and the front office made it a priority to ensure he remained long term.
"Re-signing (McMann) was a priority this summer,” Botterill said after the signing was announced via Seattle’s team website. “He made an immediate impact in our lineup with his size, speed, and goal scoring. There's a lot to love about his game. We're thrilled he wants to call Seattle home for years to come."
By locking up the 30-year-old McMann and acquiring 23-year-old Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers on the same day, Botterill has started to assemble a decent forward core for next season and beyond. But after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons of existence, the Kraken must continue pursuing top talent if they want to return to the postseason in 2026-27.
Kraken the Ice: Assessing Seattle’s Trade for Mackie Samoskevich, Bobby McMann Extension
Executing one of the most exciting days of transactions in the franchise's brief history, the Seattle Kraken made a bold move dealing a first round pick to Florida for 23-year-old Mackie Samoskevich and locked up their best scoring threat in Bobby McMann long-term.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee examines the ramifications of dealing one of Seattle's two first rounders in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft for Samoskevich, discusses why the young forward fits with the team's current timeline, highlights all the positives of locking up McMann for the next six seasons, and explores what could be the next move coming for the front office with a former first round selection.
Kraken Check Off Big To-Do List Item, Re-Sign Bobby McMann to Six-Year Deal
While the Seattle Kraken as a team imploded down the stretch last season, it was certainly no fault of Bobby McMann. The Kraken swung a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the veteran’s services ahead of the trade deadline in March, sending a fourth round pick from this upcoming draft and a second rounder from 2027 to Toronto.
From the jump, it seemed like a match made in hockey heaven. McMann did his best impression of Wayne Gretzky in the first three games as a Kraken, totaling four goals and two assists. Even as that torrid pace cooled, he was the best offensive skater Seattle had for that final stretch of the season by a wide margin. Between the time McMann arrived in Seattle to the end of the regular season, McMann’s 10 goals was more than double the next closest Kraken skater, who was Jared McMann with four goals.
McMann’s total was also tied for 10th-highest in the entire NHL in that timeframe. He was one of the hottest goal-scorers in the league for that final 20-game stretch, providing a rare bright spot for a Kraken squad that struggled to score all year long as a team.
Trade! Kraken Deal 25th Overall Pick for Panthers’ Mackie Samoskevich
The 2026 NHL Draft begins this Friday, June 26 with the first round in Buffalo, New York. With the Seattle Kraken holding two first round picks and three top-40 picks overall, it was a safe assumption that they would be making and fielding trade offers to better their team before the festivities kick off.
The first salvo has been fired ahead of next weekend’s draft. According to reports on Sunday, the Seattle Kraken traded their 25th overall pick this year and a second rounder next season to the Florida Panthers for the services of winger Mackie Samoskevich.
Kraken the Ice: How Can Seattle Maximize Multiple First Round Picks in 2026 NHL Draft?
Days after the Carolina Hurricanes were crowned Stanley Cup champions, the Seattle Kraken will hope to close the gap with the top teams in hockey with a wealth of picks going into the 2026 NHL Draft, including two first rounders.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down potential targets for Seattle to consider with the seventh overall choice, headlined by standout defenseman Chase Reid, revisits the team's biggest needs heading into the draft, and examines how the organization can get the most out of two first round picks while weighing the possibility of using extra draft capital to facilitate a draft weekend trade.
Kraken Fortify Front Office, Coaching Staff with Pair of Hirings
Much has been made about the Seattle Kraken hiring Sportsology Group to do an audit of the organization this offseason. Clearly, there is an effort to find and fix gaps in development and talent, from the brass at the top all the way down to the bench on the ice.
While general manager Jason Botterill and head coach Lane Lambert remain in place, there has been some shakeup around both men in the Kraken organization. First, Ron Francis stepped down as team president immediately after the regular season concluded. Jessica Campbell left the bench to seek other opportunities after her contract to coach with the Kraken had expired as well.
Over the last week, the Kraken made two hires to seemingly fortify their front office and coaching staff. Patrik Allvin was recently named as a fourth vice president and assistant general manager. Additionally, Pascal Vincent joined Lambert’s coaching staff.
Kraken the Ice: Seattle Shores Up Front Office, Hires Patrik Allvin
The Seattle Kraken shook up their front office by hiring former Vancouver Canucks GM Patrick Alvin, sparking questions about the club’s long-term direction and leadership strategy. Is this a shrewd move born from exhaustive audits or just GM Jason Botterill bringing in a trusted ally with three Stanley Cups to his credit?
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee spotlights Matty Beniers’ evolution, challenging whether the franchise’s first-ever draft pick can reach top-center status after another solid yet unspectacular season. The episode also dissects Eeli Tolvanen's future as a pending free agent—can his versatility and competitive edge earn him a new deal, or will the Kraken opt for an even younger lineup? Analysis covers roster-building priorities, the impact of upcoming NHL Draft decisions, and how these roster choices set the tone for the Kraken’s next era.
Should Kraken Trade Up in 2026 NHL Draft to Snag Chase Reid?
The 2026 NHL Draft is now in the same calendar month in which we currently reside, taking place on June 26 and 27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. That is a two-day period that could alter the trajectory for the Seattle Kraken, if they do it right.
General manager Jason Botterill has plenty of firepower to make a big move on draft night. Indeed, it was disappointing to watch Seattle draw the seventh pick, dropping a slot in the lottery. However, the Kraken still hold three picks in the top 38, including another first rounder at 25, which they received from the Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde trade to the Lightning. If there was a team that had the capital to make a big move in the first round, it’s Seattle.
It’s likely unrealistic to expect the Kraken to trade all the way up to the top pick to snag the super-prospect Gavin McKenna. They likely would need to trade all the way up to No. 1. It seems tough to try and pry that spot from Toronto’s clutches.
Analysis: Should Kraken Re-Sign Jaden Schwartz or Let Him Walk?
On July 21, 2021, the Seattle Kraken held their “expansion draft” to build their first ever team, setting sights on constructing a roster that would allow them to be competitive right away.
But in the present, there are not many “Day 1” Kraken players left from that inaugural team after making just one playoff trip in five seasons. Seattle’s two goalies, Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer, remain on the team. Among skaters, Adam Larsson, Jared McCann, Vince Dunn, and captain Jordan Eberle are still with the franchise.
A few of those original members of the team are set to be free agents this offseason in Jamie Oleksiak and Jaden Schwartz.
While Jaden Schwartz was not part of the actual draft, Seattle signed him that summer to a five-year, $27.5 million contract. That deal is now expiring after he totaled 79 goals and 168 points over the life of the contract, ranking fourth and fifth in franchise history respectively.
Kraken the Ice: Can Berkly Catton Elevate Game Entering Second NHL Season?
The Seattle Kraken face a pivotal offseason as top prospect Alexis Bernier signed his entry-level deal and rookie standout Berkly Catton looks to elevate his game. Can the franchise finally unlock the full potential of its young stars and transform player development woes into progress?
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down Bernier’s arrival from the QMJHL and examines Catton’s growth after his rookie campaign, raising crucial questions about the organization’s talent pipeline. The episode also spotlights veteran Jaden Schwartz’s uncertain future as free agency nears, emphasizing Seattle’s pressing need for fresh scoring talent and a youth infusion. Get ready for insider analysis on roster challenges, draft positioning, and which pending free agents—like Jamie Oleksiak—could define the Kraken’s next chapter.
Kraken the Ice: How Can Seattle Execute ‘Prolific” Offseason?
The Seattle Kraken eye a “prolific offseason" with a new regime in charge after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, but will bold words translate to pivotal on-ice upgrades?
On a new Kraken the Ice podcast, Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks down the Kraken’s ambitions, highlighting key offseason tasks like re-signing Bobby McMann and leveraging two first-round draft picks for maximum impact, potentially looking to acquire a proven scoring blue liner via trade. The discussion explores possibilities on defense and offense, including spotlighting prospects such as Chase Reid, Ethan Belchetz, and Dax Rudolph to bolster Seattle’s roster. Can management deliver meaningful roster changes, and will hard decisions - such as potentially moving Shane Wright - help reset the franchise’s direction?
Kraken the Ice: Examining Potential Seattle Targets With No. 7 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft
Failing to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, the Seattle Kraken once again find themselves doing some soul searching as the franchise tries to find a way to consistently contend this offseason.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee examines head coach Lane Lambert's role in the team's disappointing finish and why he deserves at least one more season to prove he can turn things around, dishes out end of year superlatives for Kraken standouts, as well as disappointments, and takes a close look at three potential targets for Seattle with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Despite Rocky First Year, Lane Lambert Still Could Be Man for the Job for Kraken
The NHL Draft is still over a month away. The Seattle Kraken will pick seventh, by virtue of the draft lottery. For the third straight season, Seattle missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have only made the playoffs once in its five seasons of existence.
Last summer, Lane Lambert became Seattle’s third different head coach in those five years, after taking over for Dan Bylsma, who was one-and-done following the 2024-2025 season. Lambert came in from Toronto after being an assistant coach for a year. Previously, he was head coach of the New York Islanders for one and a half years, making the playoffs in his rookie season.
Even with his first season as Kraken head coach being a disappointment, Lambert still can be the correct head coach moving forward.
Kraken the Ice: Seattle Nipped By NHL Lottery Curse… Again
Once again getting the short side of the lottery stick, the Kraken didn't get a top-five pick as hoped coming off a disappointing finish to the 2025-26 season that ended without a playoff berth.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee examines Seattle's latest misfortune landing on the wrong side of the lottery ticket, takes a first look at possible targets the Kraken may consider with the first of two first round selections, and breaks down the upcoming offseason NHL calendar and how it pertains to Seattle.
Kraken Receive No. 7 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft Lottery: What Now?
The NHL lottery for draft picks 1 through 16 took place on Tuesday night, ahead of the draft on June 26 and 27. The Seattle Kraken entered the lottery sixth in line, with a 7.5% chance at getting the No. 1 overall pick with an average projected draft position of 5.9.
For yet another season, Seattle got the short end of the lottery. The Toronto Maple Leafs nabbed the top pick, followed by the Sharks getting second overall. Seattle did not hear their name called until No. 7. They will pick seventh, which is one spot higher than their slot last year when they selected Jake O'Brien.
Picking seventh means for another season, they are picking lower than their initial position in the final standings. However, this will actually be Seattle’s highest draft pick since taking Shane Wright fourth overall in 2022.
Three Moves Kraken Can Make to Gain Momentum This Offseason
The Seattle Kraken just finished their fifth season in franchise history. For the third straight year, and fourth time in these five seasons, they missed the playoffs. Ron Francis has stepped down as president. Lane Lambert, as of now, remains the head coach.
This franchise needs some changes. They need some juice. They certainly need some offense. As a franchise stuck in the mud, it’s time to shake things up. Here are three moves the Kraken should make to reignite excitement among the fanbase.
3 Takeaways From Kraken Management’s Season-Ending Press Conference
The Seattle Kraken hosted a season-ending press conference with general manager Jason Botterill and CEO Tod Leiweke at Kraken Community Iceplex on Wednesday.
What were some of the biggest takeaways that provided a glimpse into how the team will operate over the offseason and beyond?
Explore our latest Seattle sports content by clicking on your favorite team(s) below!
